Professional Distin/HR will return...at least once

Sylvain Distin has told the Pompey Site that the departure of Harry Redknapp on the eve of our game with Fulham was a surprise - to say the least, but says the performance showed a professional approach: 'there is nothing you can do about that as a player. You can't influence anything, so you have to carry on.

'You can't do anything to change it or prevent it, so you have to go out and perform.

'It's happened before at other football clubs and it will happen again. It's part of football.

'I was a bit disappointed with the result against Fulham though, because I was expecting three points. We played well and deserved the win but that's football.

'It was a positive performance but there was a lack of concentration and we allowed them to come back.'

I have said it before but I think that it was clear to see that the players, although maybe in some state of shock or surprise, rose to the challenge and performed well - being the professionals they are.

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Whereas Harry Redknapp will make at least one return to Pompey as the Spurs manager - we play them at White Hart Lane this season, so unless they come here in the cup, which I would not bet against - and this will come as quickly as tomorrow!

He, along with the rest of the FA cup winning squad have a presentation tomorrow where they are awarded the freedom of the city. Whilst some might have expected him to back out he says he will be there: 'I am proud they have given me that and I wouldn't not take it.

'It was given to me for what I did at Portsmouth, for winning the cup and what I did at the club, so why shouldn't I go back there?

'I think they want me to go and do it and I am very proud to. It is not a problem.

'I will have to finish training and drive back there rather sharpish.'

He might want to get away sharpish too...

Think what you want about the fella, but we cannot take this away from him and for that FA cup winning achievement he, and the rest, must get the honour they deserve. He earned it, he is entitled to it and I hope that he will turn up to receive what he deserve - I still have this feeling that he might not actually turn up though to be honest...

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Staying on the Harry Redknapp and 'returning to Pompey theme', returning to poach our players is something that we expect from him and this is something that he has not ruled out doing.

Basically his 'tapping up' has begun, and begun with his public admission that Jermain Defoe is someone that he would like to take back to Spurs- but only if 'he becomes available' of course...

On talksport when asked about him he said: 'you never know do you? If he ever came back up for sale, then I'm sure we would be interested.'

And as far as approaching for others as well he also said: 'I wouldn't say never.

'If Portsmouth want to sell one or two, then we would be in for them just as any other club in the Premier League would be. They have some fantastic players there.

'But it would be Portsmouth's decision if they wanted to sell.'

Lets just see what January brings. If he wants to come back for players lets see if we want to let him - and if we do lets see if the players want to go with him. If they do let them go, but if we do lets get what we deserve to get!

Look what happened to the team with a year when he left first time round. I would hate to think the same will happen again but that is the fear. Harry could attract the players who otherwise would have stayed put or gone to Villa, Everton or Newcastle. However comes in will be hard pushed to keep what we have, let alone attract similar players. I always dreaded the day Hr would go, I just didn't expect it yet.

Top ten finish for Pompey again, Spurs to go down and Harry to laugh all the way to the bank (and Sandbanks). Come on guys, the club is big than one man, no matter how big his contribution and therein lies an interesting question; was Harry getting a bit up himself anyway - is he as good as we think or is it a bit of hype - maybe he needs the answer too - maybe that's why he left? That's done, let's move on. Here's to the future! PLAY UP POMPEY!